Drowning Deaths and Near-Drowning Accidents

Did you know that males, children between 1 – 4 years of age, and minorities are most at risk for drowning deaths? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ten people die every day from unintentional drownings. Males make up 80% of those who die from drowning. Children account for one of five unintentional drownings per day. For every child who drowns another five children receive medical care for submersion injuries that are nonfatal. Unfortunately, even nonfatal drowning injuries can be devastating and lifelong by causing severe brain damage. See the Water Injuries Fact Sheetfrom the CDC.

WHERE DO DROWNING & NEAR-DROWNING ACCIDENTS OCCUR?

Drowning accidents can occur anywhere with water, even with as little as one inch! Some possibilities include:

Bathtubs

Public swimming pools

In-ground swimming pools

Above-ground swimming pools

Portable, kiddie pools

Hot tubs

Water parks

Oceans

Lakes

Rivers

Streams

Ponds

Canals

Wells

Sinks

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?

Risk factors for drowning and near-drowning accidents are abundant.

Some risk factors include:

Inability to swim

Lack of, or inadequate, parental supervision

Lack of, or inadequate, professional supervision (e.g., lifeguards)

Medical conditions (e.g., seizure disorders)

Lack of proper barriers (e.g., 4-sided isolation fences)

Failure to wear proper water gear (e.g., life jackets, floaties)

Alcohol use

HELPFUL TIPS FOR PREVENTION

Learn how to swim yourself

Teach your children how to swim and/or sign them up for formal swimming lessons

ALWAYS PROPERLY SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WATER

Stay within arm’s reach of young children and never multitask while supervising children around water

Learn CPR, and make sure your loved ones know CPR as well

SECONDS MATTER

Wear a life jacket

E.g., boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.

Make sure your children wear proper swimming gear

E.g., life jackets and/or floaties

Never swim alone, and never allow your children to swim alone

Do not drink alcohol while supervising children or participating in water activities

E.g., boating, swimming, water skiing, etc.

Prevent children from holding their breath for long periods of time underwater

RESOURCES

REMEMBER TO CALL THE GLF TEAM!

If you or a loved one have been involved in a drowning accident, or near-drowning accident, the GLF team is here to help you. It is important to call Garrison Law Firm at 317-842-8283 immediately because memories, evidence, and witnesses diminish as time goes by, and insurance companies are eager to settle claims too quickly. Contact Garrison Law Firm today!

Garrison Law Firm, LLC

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